Despite the DNA testing that said that Anna Anderson was not Anastasia, many people still believe she was indeed the Grand Dutchess.  However,  with this reasoning one may wonder how could someone survive what  happened to the Romanovs.  There are three possible explanations to this question.

        1.  Anastasia escaped from their families exile in September of 1918.  Then, she was caught and confined to a hospital.  Her escape threatened the safety of others.  Historians believe she was then forgotten about.

        2.  Anastasia was moved seperately from the rest  of the Romanovs and escaped.
 

        3.  Anna Anderson said that she survived the execution because of the diamonds in her dress and was left wounded and unconscious.  She was then saved by one of the Russian soldiers who took pity on her.  They married, had a child, Anna placed it in an orphanage, and her husband died.
 

        What other evidence is there to support Anna's claim?  Family and friends testimonials, resemblances, memories from the past, and medical problems.  For example, Anna Anderson had the same foot deformity as Anastasia.  Anastasia's doctor's son testified that they were identical deformities.  His name was Gleb Botkin and he was one  of Anna's strongest supporters.
        Also, many people point out the fact that those who denied Anna's identity had much to gain from Anastasia's death.  Likewise, the people who didn't have anything to gain said she was the Grand Dutchess.
        The remarkable physical resemblance between Anna and Anastasia caught the attention of many.  Look at the two pictures below and see for yourself the astonishing similarity.

        Anna Anderson had an amazing memory of events from Anastasia's life.  She remembered traditions, room colors, nicknames, places, bank account numbers, and small details.

Links:

Home Page
Main Project Page
Jenkin's Main Page
Hammond Web page